MLB names awards after retired closers

NEW YORK (AP) — Now that they’re no longer receiving awards, Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman are getting their names on some.

Major League Baseball said Wednesday it created a “Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award” and a “Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award.”

Rivera, a 13-time All-Star, retired after last season with a record 652 saves. Hoffman, a seven-time All-Star, retired after the 2010 season and is second with 601 saves. Both spent their entire careers in one league.

The new honors replaces MLB’s “Delivery Man of the Year Award,” which was given to one winner annually from 2005-13.